New Nexus 7 teardown reveals wireless charging, easy repairability

INTERNET GIANT Google's new Nexus 7 tablet received the teardown treatment over the weekend, revealing the tablet's support for wireless charging and its ease of repairability.

iFixit performed the teardown. As well as stating the obvious, such as the fact that the tablet looks different to its predecessor and that it features two cameras, the teardown experts have revealed that the new Nexus 7 supports wireless charging.

Once it had pulled the device apart using little more than a plastic tool, iFixit discovered a wireless charging coil, something Google didn't mention during last week's unveiling.

iFixit said, "Though inductive charging has been around for a while, this is the first time we've seen it in a tablet. We're pleased with the trend, as it may help eliminate wires as a source of e-waste in the future."

Speaking of charging, iFixit also gave us some more information about the tablet's battery, which should offer an extra hour of battery life compared to the original Nexus 7. It's a 3,950mAh battery, iFixit revealed, and it's easily removable, with the battery tray secured with "just a few screws".

iFixit said, "The rear case is very easy to open, and requires minimal prying effort with a plastic opening tool to remove... But we cracked it, even though we were quite careful during the opening procedure.

Try to avoid breaking the screen of the new Nexus 7 though, iFixit warned, noting that this could be quite tricky to replace. It said, "The front glass is adhered to the display frame, meaning you'll need a heat gun to get the LCD out - or replace the whole front panel."